Gordon Hayward of the Oklahoma City Thunder has announced his retirement from the NBA. After 14 seasons at the most prestigious basketball league, the sports veteran called it quits via social media on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
In his emotional speech, Gordon Hayward thanked his family, friends, teammates and coaches, trainers, doctors, and others for their inspiration, support, and awesome memories.
Gordon Hayward Retirement Announcement
“Today, I am officially retiring from the game of basketball,” Gordon Hayward wrote in a social media post. “It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve more than I ever imagined,” he added.
“God has blessed me with an amazing journey, one that has taken turns I couldn’t have expected or dreamed of as a kid in Brownsburg, Indiana.”
Gordon Hayward’s Beginning
Indeed, Gordon Hayward’s early life didn’t suggest that he would become a popular national basketball player. That’s because he started as a tennis player at Brownsburg High School, even winning laurels at the state level.
Things turned around for him when he switched to basketball. His massive growth in height from 1.80 m to 2.01 m contributed to this decision.
Gordon Hayward Professional Career
The 34-year-old’s NBA career began in 2010 when the Utah Jazz selected him as the ninth overall pick in the NBA draft. Before then, he was the Horizon League Player of the Year, helping the Bulldogs to many victories in the NCAA.
One of his most iconic moments in the college league happened in his final season. He narrowly missed a breathtaking half-court heave that would have overturned a 61-59 defeat.
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Gordon Hayward’s Career Highlights
In addition to making the NBA All-Star list in 2017, Gordon Hayward has a number of other prestigious accomplishments. In 2009, he won the Horizon League Newcomer of the Year award.
He was also named to the first team of the Horizon League in 2009 and 2010, and he won the Horizon League Player of the Year award in 2010. Finally, he represented the United States national basketball team at the Under-19 and Senior levels.
Hayward Played for Four Teams in the NBA
During his time in the NBA, Gordon Hayward averaged 15.2 points across the 835 games he played for four teams. He played for the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and finally, Oklahoma City Thunder.
Gordon Hayward, who made the All-Star list in 2017, said he is retiring to spend quality time with his family. For sure, his family will be proud of what he has achieved.
Gordon Hayward at the Utah Jazz
As a rookie, Hayward had to come off the bench during his early years at the Utah Jazz. However, his light shone when he came on the court. He had an amazing performance against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011.
In that game, he scored 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, earning his team a one-point victory. He finally became a first-team regular in 2013.
Gordon Hayward at the Boston Celtics
On July 14, 2017, Gordon Hayward left the Utah Jazz and signed for the Boston Celtics. It was a four-year deal worth $128 million. Unfortunately, just six minutes into the Celtics’ first game of the new season, Hayward suffered a devastating injury.
After several surgeries, he returned to the game in 2018 and made many remarkable performances before running down his contract and moving to the Charlotte Hornets in 2020.
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Gordon Hayward at Charlotte and Oklahoma
At the Hornets, Hayward endured 4 injury-riddled seasons. However, he showed out every chance he got. In 2021, he attained a career-high of 44 points during the team’s 102-94 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
He moved to the Oklahoma City Thunder in February 2024. At the Thunders, he played 26 regular-season games, averaging 5.3 points per game, before drawing the curtains on his career.
God was a Major Factor in His Speech
Gordon Hayward is a devout Christian, as evidenced by the scripture passage he included in his speech. He also attributed his successes in the NBA and throughout his basketball playing days to God.
“From a young age, my favorite Bible verse has always been: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’—Philippians 4:13,” he wrote.
Gordon Hayward Wife
While at the peak of his career, Gordon Hayward tied the knot with the love of his life, Robin Van Vliet. Together, they’ve had four kids. His first three children are girls, while his last child, born in 2020, is a boy.
Gordon Hayward grew up in a household of four led by his parents, Jody and Gordon Scott Hayward. Interestingly, his twin sister, Heather, played tennis for Butler University.
The Curtain Draws on a Remarkable Career
In his farewell letter, Hayward thanked his parents, whom he called his biggest fans, for “always cheering me on with unwavering support.” He also appreciated his children, his wife, and anyone who played a positive role in his life and career.
In conclusion, he said he looks forward to life after professional basketball, which will center around his family and business. He ended his speech by saying, “I can’t wait for what’s next!”
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